September 3, 2025

Why The Connaught Bar Still Reigns as London’s Iconic Cocktail Spot

Set the Scene

London is spoiled with destination-worthy hotel bars, but few command the reverence of The Connaught Bar in Mayfair. Opened in 2008, it has consistently ranked among the world’s best, earning its reputation not just through awards, but through an unwavering devotion to hospitality and craftsmanship. On my July trip to London, I finally experienced the bar’s magic firsthand—and left convinced that no visit to the city is complete without it.

The Connaught Bar is tucked inside the storied Connaught Hotel, its entrance discreetly elegant. Inside, the design leans Art Deco with a contemporary polish: platinum silver–leaf walls shimmer against black lacquer, while dark green leather armchairs curl invitingly around marble-topped tables. The lighting is low and golden, the kind that flatters everyone and everything it touches. Mirrors extend the room’s drama, doubling the sparkle from glassware and bottles behind the bar.

General Manager Agostino “Ago” Perrone, who has helmed the bar since its inception 17 years ago, ensures the space feels equal parts glamorous and intimate. Whether you’re perched at the bar or tucked into a corner banquette, the atmosphere strikes a balance between old-world Mayfair refinement and cosmopolitan buzz.

Let’s Talk About the Drinks

Here, cocktails are less a menu item and more a ritual. Your evening begins with the signature Connaught Martini Trolley, a tableside performance where bartenders craft martinis tailored to your palate, choosing from a lineup of housemade bitters. My welcome drink, a creation dating back to the bar’s opening, fused tequila and gin infused with tuberose wax flower, balancing botanical intensity with floral softness.

The bar’s cocktail list changes seasonally, keeping regulars intrigued and first-timers surprised. The current menu, “Of the Moment,” leans into bold, globe-spanning flavors: the Volver resurrects a Connaught classic with tropical sweetness and herbal bitterness; the Ember Negroni layers Italian tradition with a hit of Mexican spice; and the Momo blooms like Japanese summer in a highball of gin, peach, and sherry. Even iced coffee gets its own reinvention in the Old Flame, where rum, pineapple, and burnt lemon turn a familiar sip into something smoky and refreshing.

Threaded through all of it is the Connaught Bar’s Synergia philosophy—cocktails as more than liquid, each creation designed as a dialogue between bartender and guest. With every new menu, the Connaught proves it isn’t just serving drinks; it’s curating moments.

What Can We Expect from the Food?

While cocktails take center stage, The Connaught Bar’s food program is far from an afterthought. Refined bar bites—from truffle-dusted fries to delicate tartares—pair seamlessly with the drinks. Portions are light, meant to complement rather than compete, making this the kind of place you linger for a second round without ever feeling weighed down.

‍

Final Thoughts

Even the glassware and coasters carry the experience home. Their vintage-inspired martini glasses and Champagne coupes are available to purchase, but I went for the simple (and more shelf-friendly) option: a Connaught Bar coaster, now perched happily on my floating shelf, serving as a small reminder of one of London’s most iconic bars.

Wrapping up, The Connaught Bar isn’t just about cocktails; it’s about timeless traditions. Between Ago’s guiding presence, the meticulous design, and drinks that marry innovation with poise, the bar redefines what a hotel cocktail bar can be. Awards aside, it’s the sense of intimacy and care that sets it apart. For anyone plotting a night in London, consider this your essential stop.